Judicial probe begins into Orissa violence

(October 20, 2008) In the Indian State of Orissa, commenced the Judicial probe. Retired Justice Sarat Chandra Mohapatra of Orissa High Court on Friday reached Phulbani, marking the beginning of his probe into the violence the killed some 50 people, mostly Christians. The government-appointed one-man commission will enquire in to the causes and situation that led to violence that lasted for than 50 days after it began on August 24. Justice Mohapatra met officials in Phulbani, the headquarters of Kandhamal district, the epicentre of the violence. Most Christians in the district are now driven out of the area. The commission also visited the Jalespata Ashram where Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) leader Lakshmanananda Saraswati and four others were killed on Aug. 23. Violence began soon after this incident. The justice would also visit the relief camps where the riot-affected Christians now live. Also planned to visit the next two days are some affected villages. The district administration has decided to lift the night curfew in four towns, saying the situation is now normal